Carrier USS Truman wins top mark for 'E-fficiency'

February 19, 2014

Congratulations are in order for the Norfolk-based crew of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

The carrier, currently on deployment, has won the Battle "E," an annual efficiency award given to ship crews that display the maximum degree of readiness in their group and for their ability to perform wartime duties.

"Being commissioned for only 15 years and earning our eighth Battle E shows that we have been doing really well," said Command Master Chief Raymond Kemp Sr.

The USS George Washington, which is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, won the Battle E for the Pacific/West Coast.

The Truman has been in the news for another reason, too. As the Obama administration seeks to finalize a nuclear deal with Iran, the Truman has spent more time outside the Persian Gulf than in it – possibly to ease tensions while diplomats do their work.

That comes from The Hill, which based its report on a review of social media and interviews with sources. The story can be found at Defcon Hill, the publication's defense blog.

The Navy says it hasn't reduced its strength in the region because it has added smaller ships.

Forrestal, at rest

The Newport News-built carrier Forrestal reached the end of the line Tuesday, arriving in Texas where it will be cut into scrap. Forrestal was considered the first U.S. supercarrier, a post-World War II marvel built with an angled flight deck to handle the new generation of fighter jets.

Forrestal left Philadelphia on Feb. 4 under tow. It now rests at All Star Metals scrap yard in Brownsville, Texas, according to multiple media reports.

We wanted to pass along this news from the company's website: On March 1, the company will host an open visitation from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brownsville facility – 101 Boxcar Road – for veterans, former crew members and the general public. No one will be allowed to board the Forrestal due to Navy restrictions, however.

In conjunction with that visit, the USS Forrestal Association will hold an off-site event nearby that begins at 1 p.m. Feel like a trip to Texas? Visit the USS Forrestal Association at http://www.uss-forrestal.com for more information.

Mental health classes begin

When a family member suffers from mental illness, it takes a toll on parents, spouses and others in the house. How can they cope? How can they help?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has received good reviews for its "Family to Family Class, designed for people to help others in their family who suffer from mental illness, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, addictive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Family members of veterans and active duty military are encouraged to apply. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.

The weekly classes start March 4 and run to May 20, meeting from 6-8:30 p.m.